Walgreens-OptionCare > Respiratory > Common breathing problems > Sleep-related breathing disorders
Sleep-related breathing disorders
PrintIn the U.S., approximately 4% of men and 2% of women have some form of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or sleep disordered breathing (SDB). As individuals age, the prevalence of these conditions increases. Some studies indicate that 24% of those age 65 years or older may have some problem with SDB.
OSA and SDB can be diagnosed only with a sleep study. This study usually is performed in a sleep lab, a room that resembles a hotel room, but has special equipment and wiring. The wires are attached to various sensors that monitor certain physical parameters while the person sleeps. The results of the sleep study can determine if the person has OSA.
If the person has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, several treatment options are available. While surgery is an option for reducing snoring, it is not very effective in lessening apnea (when breathing stops briefly, but repeatedly, during sleep). Additional treatment, then, is required to reduce the apnea. Customized dental devices that are worn while the person sleeps also may help. These devices are custom made and usually take four to six weeks to create. In addition, they are costly and not covered by insurance.
The best treatment for OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The CPAP device blows air into the back of the throat to keep the airway open. It prevents the obstruction associated with SDB or OSA. During sleep, the air is blown -- at a specific pressure prescribed by the physician -- through a mask that fits over the nose. The fit and comfort of the mask are key to successful therapy. We provide CPAP and other treatment options.